Wayne Rooney announces England retirement

England and Everton striker, Wayne Rooney, has announced his immediate retirement from international football.

The 31-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club from Manchester United after 13 years,earlier this summer, scored 53 goals in 119 appearances for the Three Lions.

Dreams can come true and playing for @England has been exactly that. Thanks to everyone involved it's been amazing - https://t.co/GfiT7oVCpx

— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) August 23, 2017

In a statement released to Press Association Sport, Rooney said:

It was great that Gareth Southgate called me this week to tell me he wanted me back in the England squad for the upcoming matches.

I really appreciated that. However, having already thought long and hard, I told Gareth that I had now decided to retire for good from international football.

It is a really tough decision, and one I have discussed with my family, my manager at Everton and those closest to me.

Playing for England has always been special to me. Every time I was selected as a player or captain was a real privilege and I thank everyone who helped me. But I believe now is the time to bow out.

Rooney also said that while leaving Manchester United was a difficult decision, he knows he made the right one in coming home to Everton.

Leaving Manchester United was a tough call but I know I made the right decision in coming home to Everton. Now I want to focus all my energies on helping them be successful.

I will always remain a passionate England fan. One of my very few regrets is not to have been part of a successful England tournament side. Hopefully the exciting players Gareth is bringing through can take that ambition further and I hope everyone will get behind the team.

One day the dream will come true and I look forward to being there as a fan — or in any capacity.

Rooney made his England debut in February 2003, at age 17, against Australia, and went on to play in three World Cup tournaments and three European Championships.

Rooney's first goal for England came against Macedonia that September, and the next summer his outstanding performances led to a place in the Euro 2004 team of the tournament.

He went on to play in three World Cups and two European Championships.

During his England career, he usurped Sir Bobby Charlton as England and Manchester United's all-time top scorer .

He also replaced David Beckham as the country's most capped outfield player in September 2015 and only within touching distance of Peter Shilton's record 125 caps for England.

7 - Only @GaryLineker (10) and @alanshearer (9) have scored more goals for England than @WayneRooney (7) at major tournaments. Lions. pic.twitter.com/nBIk6DIIn2

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 23, 2017

1 - Wayne Rooney scored just one goal in 11 appearances at World Cup finals for England, despite attempting 21 shots overall. Unfortunate. pic.twitter.com/ndnKZkCiv5

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 23, 2017

119 - Wayne Rooney made 119 appearances for @England; the most of any outfield player in the team's history. Service. pic.twitter.com/OUjEeVzYbr

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 23, 2017

He was however unable to lift a trophy on the international stage, with his best achievements coming in reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2006.